CAFÉ France took the provisional lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup with a 97-78 win over AMA Online Education on Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Bakers posted a wire-to-wire victory, improved their win-loss record to 6-1, getting a boost ahead of their final elimination round game on Thursday against Phoenix Petroleum.
Aaron Jeruta scored 13 of his 20 points in the first half as the Bakers took control early, 22-10, in the first period.
Paul Zamar added 15 points, while Carl Bryan Cruz had 14 markers for Café France, which bounced back after absorbing its first loss of the conference to Tanduay last week, 79-74.
“The boys learned their lessons kasi pumukpok sila. At least, the boys played well at naka-bounce back kami. Malaking bagay para sa amin,” said Café France coach Egay Macaraya.
Café France gained a half-game lead over Caida Tiles (5-1), which takes on the Mindanao Aguilas on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Jarelan Tampus had 19 points for AMA, which slipped to 2-5.
The scores:
Café France 97 — Jeruta 20, Zamar 15, Cruz 14, Ebondo 12, De Leon 10, Malangit 7, Abundo 5, Casino 5, Celso 4, Opiso 3, Arum 2, Anunciacion 0, Guinitaran 0, Villahermosa 0.
AMA 78 — Tampus 19, De Leon 14, King 11, Jamito 9, McCarthy 9, Arambulo 5, Angeles 4, Carpio 3, Magpantay 2, Mendoza 2, Alberto 0, Jordan 0.
Quarterscores: 22-10; 45-35; 79-56; 97-78.
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